The Documentary

Good Home Training explores how generations of Black women have redefined the home as a place of cultural inheritance, creativity, and care—deeply influencing the ways we live, gather, and remember.

Through storytelling, a shared meal, and a hands-on baking session, the film honors figures like Malinda Russell—believed to be the first Black person to self-publish a cookbook—while connecting her legacy to modern creatives.

It reclaims the home as a site of power and significance, celebrating the traditions that have shaped the Black family and community. At its core, Good Home Training is a tribute to the past and a call to carry its lessons forward with intention and pride.

what is “good home training”?

"Good home training" is an African American colloquialism that generally refers to proper manners and social etiquette taught at home, but it also includes the public survival skills Black children have to learn to ensure their success and safety in the world at large.

GOOD HOME TRAINING:
How Black Women Raised America and Shaped The Way We Live.

Follow our journey on Instagram @goodhometrainingfilm.

We’re just a few days away from the premiere of Good Home Training at the Oscar-qualifying Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival! Good Home Training —co-directed by Evolyn Brooks @evolynbrooks and Riche Holmes Grant @all
🎬 Every frame, every beat, every word was shaped by our incredible team. There would be no Good Home Training without their talent, focus and commitment to excellence on a tight timeline. This photo was taken on the day we shot our baking scene an
🎥 We’re excited to share that the opening weekend lineup has been announced for the Oscar-qualifying Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival! @mvaaff Our film, Good Home Training — Co-Directed by Evolyn Brooks (@evolynbr